Meta is testing robots that plug in cables, reset servers and power-cycle equipment in its data centers. Current and former workers describe trials using hardware from Watney Robotics, Kinova and ABB. Dual-armed Watney robots have done cabling work in Altoona, Iowa since June 2025. ABB wheeled robots with lifting arms reseat parts at the new Prometheus campus in Ohio. A simple finger-like device presses power buttons on remote command. Existing tugger and inventory robots work, but the inventory bot sees only in grayscale and needs human checks. Workers also complain about battery recharging downtime. Meta declined to comment on the tests and says it needs more skilled workers, not fewer. Kinova and ABB declined to comment; Watney did not respond. The account comes from anonymous workers speaking to WIRED.

• up to 80% of some workloads
• robots trialled since June 2025